Wanda Hazel Gag was an American artist, author, and illustrator known for her children's books and paintings. She was born on March 11, 1893, in New Ulm, Minnesota, and was one of seven children of a Czechoslovakian family. Gag began drawing at an early age, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already selling her artwork to local businesses.
In 1913, Gag moved to Minneapolis to attend the Minneapolis School of Art. She also worked as a commercial artist, creating advertisements and illustrations for magazines. In 1927, Gag published her first book, "The ABC Bunny," which was an instant success. The book featured a story told through illustrations, with only a few words on each page. This unique approach to storytelling was innovative and captivating, and it quickly became popular with children and adults alike.
Gag went on to write and illustrate several more books, including "Millions of Cats," which won a Newbery Honor in 1929. The book tells the story of an old man who sets out to find the prettiest cat in the world and ends up with millions of them. Gag's illustrations for the book are stunning, with intricate details and bold, bright colours.
"Once upon a time there was an old man and an old woman who were very lonely. They decided to get a cat, but when the old man went out searching, he found not one cat, but millions and billions and trillions of cats!"
"The old woman said, 'But I cannot live without one of these pretty cats.' The old man said, 'Neither can I.' So they made a trap and caught a cat. It was a very old and very thin and very ugly cat."
"They were all so pretty that the old man could not decide which one to take home. So he didn't take any of them, but he did say good-bye to them politely."
These excerpts showcase Gag's unique storytelling style, which is both simple and charming. Her use of repetition and humour make the story fun to read, while the illustrations bring the cats to life. "Millions of Cats" is a timeless classic that has entertained generations of children and adults alike.
In addition to her work as an author and illustrator, Gag was also a painter. Her paintings were often inspired by the rural landscapes of her home state of Minnesota, and she used bold colours and strong lines to capture the beauty of the natural world. Gag's paintings were exhibited in galleries across the United States, and she became known for her unique style and use of colour.
Gag continued to work as an artist and author throughout her life, and she received many awards and honours for her contributions to the world of children's literature and art. She died on June 27, 1946, in New York City, at the age of 53.
Gag's legacy as an artist and author continues to live on today. Her books are still popular with children and adults, and her illustrations and paintings are admired by art lovers around the world. Gag's unique approach to storytelling and her use of bold colors and strong lines have influenced generations of artists and writers, and she remains an important figure in the world of children's literature and art.
"There was once a little man named Jack who never laughed or smiled. He was so miserable that he made everyone else miserable too." (Gone and Gone)
In conclusion, Wanda Hazel Gag was a talented artist, author, and illustrator who made significant contributions to the world of children's literature and art. Her innovative approach to storytelling and her use of bold colours and strong lines have influenced generations of artists and writers, and her legacy continues to live on today. Gag's work serves as an inspiration to anyone who values creativity, imagination, and the power of storytelling.